New Jersey’s Marijuana Sales

 Over 12K customers make purchases in first five days

By James Hickey

State officials reported the first week of legalized marijuana sales got off to a strong start. 

The state’s 12 participating dispensaries sold cannabis and cannabis products to 12,438 recreational cannabis customers for a total gross sale of nearly $1.9 million, according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

On the day before adult-use sales began, the alternative treatment centers (ATC) dispensed 5,400 ounces of medicinal cannabis and cannabis products across New Jersey. In the five days following the beginning of adult-use sales, an additional 7,500 ounces were dispensed to patients.

Substantial Sales

“We expected sales to be substantial and the data shows that the market is effectively serving both adult-use consumers and patients,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the commission on April 27. “We continue to monitor inventory and access for patients and are prepared to take enforcement action against any ATC that does not meet the requirements for patient access and supply.”

State projections estimate there will be 130,000 cannabis patients and about 836,000 recreational customers from New Jersey—around 12% of the state’s adult population. Another 788,000 “tourism consumers” from outside New Jersey are expected.

Ensuring Medical Needs

The CRC said there were no major incidents at the dispensaries despite the long lines outside the 12 locations. Sales were delayed by the commission due to concerns about enough for medicinal cannabis patients but officials said there had not been any substantiated reports of supply problems.

To ensure medical marijuana patients continue to receive the treatment they need, each of the alternative treatment centers approved by the CRC confirmed their ability to continue providing access to existing patients and prioritized their needs through strategies such as patient-specific hours and parking spaces.

Recreational cannabis and cannabis products are available at dispensaries across New Jersey that already have been serving registrants in the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program. Voters overwhelmingly passed a referendum in 2020 to allow cannabis products to be sold in the state and Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation legalizing marijuana in February 2021. 

What, Where Available

Five of 12 dispensaries are in North Jersey in Bloomfield, Maplewood, Paterson, Phillipsburg and Rochelle Park. Roughly 29% of New Jersey’s municipalities now permit some element of the cannabis industry, including North Jersey municipalities Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Hackensack, and Teaneck.

Recreational cannabis can be purchased as 1 ounce of dried flower or up to 5 grams of concentrates, resins, or oils, or 10 100 mg packages of ingestible items in a single transaction.  The cost of one ounce in New Jersey ranged between $320 and $480 in 2021, according to the CRC. 

Recreational cannabis is subject to New Jersey’s state sales tax of 6.625%, but municipalities have the option to tack on a 2% local tax to cannabis sales. ATC;s are  required to meet critical social equity standards, including providing technical information to new cannabis businesses owned by individuals who have lived in economically-disadvantaged areas or have had cannabis-related convictions in the past. Seventy percent of the sales tax collected on adult use cannabis sales will go towards communities affected by marijuana-related arrests to further these social justice and equity goals.

New Jersey joined 17 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing the use of recreational cannabis; 39 states allow the use of medicinal cannabis.

Police Problems

Since sales started, North Jersey lawmakers have led the call to prohibit police officers on or off duty use cannabis-based products. The issue arose after Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin wrote that off-duty police officers in New Jersey are permitted to consume cannabis products and should not face discipline for doing so under the state’s legal marijuana law. 

Among the towns that said they are prohibiting officers from using legalized marijuana are Jersey City, Bayonne and Woodland Park. Additionally, New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association President Pat Colligan is urging officers to refrain from using legalized marijuana products until a statewide policy is ironed out. 

“The most important issue is that the attorney general’s office hasn’t come out with its new guidelines for drug testing so technically if I was to test positive for cannabis tomorrow I would still be placed on the national drug registry and still have the probability of termination in my department,” stated Colligan. “So we’re just saying if you want to partake in cannabis, we suggest you hold off until safeguards are put into place.”

Support Still Strong

But the police controversy has not dampened poll results showing the residents of New Jersey are supportive of the new industry. A Stockton University Poll released April 22 found that a majority of adults would welcome dispensaries selling cannabis in their towns, and half would market it as a tourist attraction. 

The poll showed 56% said they would support dispensaries selling legal recreational marijuana in their towns, while 36% would oppose it and 8% are unsure. Additionally, 50% of those who responded were in favor of cannabis related attractions such as lounges and restaurants where weed can be consumed.   

Most poll respondents were understanding about the long delay after the 2020 vote—22% said it was reasonable and 50% had no opinion. About one in four (27%) found the delay unacceptable. -North-Jersey News

New Jersey Has The Oldest Hotel In America

Congress Hall, Gape May, NJ

By Lou Russo

So many people in New Jersey know that the history of our state is a rich one, and there is no place where that is more true than the oldest hotel in a state known worldwide for its resorts.

There are a lot of amazing hotels in the Garden State that boast an amazing history, and that fact is completely true of the oldest hotel in the entire state.

Not only is New Jersey's oldest hotel one of the oldest in the entire country, but it is also actually considered to be the oldest seaside resort in the entire nation.

That is true state and national history all in one amazing building in the middle of a town surrounded by what could be the most intriguing history in all of America.

The fine folks at Insider put together a list of the oldest hotels in every single state in the nation, and New Jersey's is a storied one in the amazing town of Cape May, which should come as no surprise to anyone who's ever been there.

As you know, just about every building in Cape May has a historical story to tell, and New Jersey's oldest hotel is no exception.

The Congress Hall Hotel first opened its doors over 200 years ago in 1816 and is considered to be the first seaside resort in American history.

When you visit Cape May, make it a point to stay at, or at least visit a legendary piece of history, not only for the Jersey Shore and the whole state but for the entire country as well. -New Jersey 101.5

The Rise Of Atlantic City, NJ

 By Brian Novak

Atlantic City is synonymous with gambling and the fun and excitement of casino resorts. However, the city has a storied past filled with ups and downs. From the city’s Golden Age during the Prohibition era to its modern rebuilding, Atlantic City has had a tumultuous existence.

In this article, we’ll explore the rise of Atlantic City casino resorts.

The History of Atlantic City

Atlantic City has had a long history as one of America’s favorite resort towns. But the most significant event in the city’s development was when the railroad opened in 1854.

The railroad was the brainchild of a doctor named Jonathan Pitney who thought Atlantic City would be the perfect location for a health resort. With this in mind, he convinced investors to build a rail line from Philadelphia all the way to Atlantic City.

Though the United States Hotel never actually became a health resort, it was the largest hotel in the country. Owned by the railroad company, it could hold up to 2,000 guests in its 600 rooms. From there, more hotels were constructed.

As hotel construction flourished, tourism became the city’s lifeblood and continued to influence its development. In the 1870s, the famous Boardwalk was constructed to keep sand away from hotel lobbies. At the time, the Boardwalk was a seasonal structure that looked very different from what it is today.

The city continued to grow over the decades, and it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Atlantic City saw its first boom in hotel creation. Many NJ casinos and restaurants are still located in these historical resorts that ultimately put the city on the map.

Prohibition and Gambling in Atlantic City

Another event that played a massive role in the development of Atlantic City was Prohibition. The city was already a premiere vacation destination by the beginning of Prohibition in 1920. Its popularity with tourists explains much of what happened during the Prohibition era. Not wanting to deny tourists anything they could provide, establishments in Atlantic City didn’t always play by the rules.

Law officials’ lack of enforcement of the alcohol ban only increased Atlantic City’s popularity. The city quickly became known as a hotspot for anyone seeking alcohol. And that’s not the only law the city played fast and loose with.

New Jersey had always been one of the friendlier states regarding gambling, and Atlantic City took that to the next level. Throughout the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, gambling was largely prohibited. But that didn’t stop Atlantic City, as multiple illegal casinos, slot machines, and other gambling rackets operated across the city.

During this era, Atlantic City became known as “The World’s Playground,” an image that city officials tried hard to maintain. However, all good things eventually come to an end, and the city’s popularity declined in the wake of World War II.

Legalization of Gambling

The once thriving resort town was in economic decline in the decades following the war. As some of the city’s famous hotel resorts closed or were repurposed, crime and unemployment increased.

However, in the 1970s, city officials came up with an idea to return Atlantic City to its former glory: legalizing gambling in the entire state of New Jersey. At the time, Nevada was the only other state that had legal casinos.

After much effort and one failed referendum, voters decided to legalize gambling in New Jersey in 1976. The first legal casino resort to open was Resorts Atlantic City. It still operates at the exact location that first opened in 1978.

This push toward legal gambling paid off, and the city experienced another boom in construction in the 1980s. Only this time, casinos and casino resorts were being built, not just hotels. By the end of the decade, Atlantic City was home to 12 casinos.

After the building boom, the city saw increased tourism again, and Atlantic City’s future looked bright. By 2000, the city’s casinos brought in $4.2 billion in revenues. Revenues continued to grow until they peaked at $5.2 billion in 2006.

Atlantic City’s fortunes started to fall due to other states legalizing gambling and the bankruptcy and closure of many popular casinos. Once people no longer needed to travel across state lines to gamble, the city’s tourism suffered.

By 2014, one-third of the city’s famous boardwalk casinos had closed. However, Atlantic City never stays down for long.

A City on the Rebound

Toward the end of the 2010s, Atlantic City was ready for its comeback. This modern resurgence has happened thanks to new casinos coming to the area and new management taking over failed ventures.

The opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in the former Trump Taj Mahal and the re-opening and rebranding of Revel Casino as Ocean Resort Casino were hugely influential to the area. Both of these openings occurred in 2018.

However, the city recently hit another snag. Like most of the world, Atlantic City’s growth was disrupted by the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic.

As mentioned above, this resilient town doesn’t stay down for long. Atlantic City’s casinos had seen revenues increase by the first quarter of 2022. And not only by pandemic standards.

Considering New Jersey offers the largest selection of table games and slots in Western America, profits had risen by 79% compared to the first quarter of 2019. That means the city’s casinos are performing better than they did in pre-pandemic times. These numbers represent the best profits the city’s remaining nine casinos have seen in the last five years.

Now that the city is on the upswing again, we only hope this means Atlantic City’s casino resorts will soon see another boom. –River Journal

Mudhen Hospitality Coming In 2023

 By Admin

Located in the heart of downtown Wildwood, MudHen Hospitality provides the perfect destination for craft beer lovers and beach lovers alike. Located just minutes from the world-famous Wildwood Boardwalk, award-winning beaches, and the only craft brewery on the island, visitors can expect a first-class vacation experience and memories that will last a lifetime.—Nudhen (https://mudhenbrew.com/)

Nightly Accommodations with Premium Amenities

• 6 Unique, 2-Bedroom Luxury Cottages
• 4-Bedroom Single Family House
• Laundry Facilities in each Unit
• Housekeeping
• Swimming Pool
• Recreation Area
• Ample Parking with access on Taylor Ave.
• Bicycles & Golf Carts Provided

-Mudhen

Most Dangerous Places to Live in New Jersey

 By Travel Maven

While New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the country, it certainly has its fair share of dangerous cities and crime. A look through the FBI's most recent crime statistics reveals which communities are the most unsafe, keep reading to learn more.

10. Salem, NJ

A small town in southwestern NJ near the border of Delaware with about 5,000 residents, Salem is the smallest community on this list. The crime rate in Salem is twice the national average and the violent crime rate per 1,000 people is on par with that of much larger cities.

9. Millville, NJ

A small city in southern NJ, Millville may have a relatively nonexistent murder rate but its robbery and assault rates are through the roof. While its downtown area looks rather charming, it is certainly not a safe spot to do some shopping.

8. Irvington, NJ

A community notorious during the 1980s crack epidemic, Irvington's violent crime rate remains six times the state average and the murder rate is eight times the state average, making it one of the most dangerous towns in New Jersey.

7. Paterson, NJ

A large city in northern Passaic County, Paterson is home to many beautiful parks and waterfalls however, its violent crime rate is one of the highest in the state.

6. Bridgeton, NJ

A southern NJ city with a crime rate that is five times higher than the New Jersey average, Bridgeton suffered an economic downturn in the 1980s with the loss of its remaining manufacturing sector jobs in glass and textiles. Agricultural employment, however, has continued to attract immigrant workers but largely creates new challenges and opportunities for revitalization.

5. Newark, NJ

Often regarded as New Jersey's most dangerous city, Newark only comes in at number 5 on this list. While it does in fact have the third highest murder rate in the country, there are several neighborhoods within the city that are relatively safe and harmless like University Heights that likely prevent Newark from coming in at number 1.

4. Asbury Park, NJ

This coastal city suffered immensely during the 20th century when race riots broke out in the 1970s and many of those city blocks have yet to be fully redeveloped. Asbury Park ranks very high in both violent and property crimes.

3. Trenton, NJ

In 2013, Trenton had the highest murder rate in the entire state of New Jersey. While it may be unsafe at night, it is our capital and home to many interesting museums and a lovely historic district.

2. Atlantic City, NJ

Another coastal city that suffered during the 20th century, after World War II, Atlantic City became plagued with poverty, crime, corruption, and general economic decline and has not fully recovered to this day. The city holds one of the highest violent crime rates in the country.

Camden, NJ

Coming in as New Jersey's most dangerous place to live is Camden, a city in southwestern NJ near Philadelphia. The city's crime rate is four times higher than the national average making this one of the most dangerous places in America. –Original Newbreak

2022 Winter Forecast New Jersey

It has been a really hot summer here in New Jersey. We have had our share of heatwaves and humidity and heat index woes all summer.

There’s good news and there’s bad news about New Jersey weather. The good news is that cold weather is on the way. The bad news is we have to wait until winter to get it.

It doesn’t look like our incoming winter weather is going to be calm, cool, and collected. It’s going to be more like very cold and snowy. That is of course if you are a person who believes what the Old Farmer’s Almanac has to say, according to Travel Awaits.

Here’s what they have to say for the upcoming winter here in New Jersey. Let’s start with the temperatures. When we hit December, the temps will not hesitate to take a tumble. And it will remain icy cold right through January. In both months the temperatures will be below average. However, we’re told February will be warmer than normal.

We also need to make sure we know exactly where the good snow shovel is, and we should expect to use it frequently. The Almanac says our area will have an active storm track this winter.

So it looks like colder than normal temperatures and high snow activity spells a long winter for us here in the Garden State.

So, every time the weather brings more heat and humidity our way for the remainder of the summer, maybe we should be counting our blessings instead of complaining. But you and I both know we won’t. We’re just not wired that way. -94.3 The Point

How the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Has Guided North Wildwood for Over a Century

By Erin Drumm

The header image is a historical photo of the lighthouse.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse sits beautifully along the North Wildwood seawall. It draws visitors from far and wide because of its gardens and ocean views, but beyond its beauty, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is home to a rich history and vibrant community.

Before the lighthouse was built, the Hereford Inlet was primarily used by whalers who used the inlet to butcher their catches. As the inlet gained popularity among shippers and whalers, more shipwrecks began to occur. To fix this problem and to make the inlet’s shore safer, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built.

The lighthouse was designed by Paul J. Pelz, the same man who designed the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. The lighthouse first brought light to North Wildwood in 1874. In 1913, the lighthouse was so severely damaged by a storm that it was moved westward 150 feet. Today, there is a marker where the first lighthouse was built along the sea wall.

The lighthouse stands at 49.5 feet and its light visibly travels 13 nautical miles on clear nights.

In 1964, the lighthouse’s light was put out of use, and a metal tower with a rotating beacon was placed behind the lighthouse.

Former North Wildwood Mayor Anthony Catanoso and his wife Phyllis obtained a lease to the lighthouse for the City of North Wildwood from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 1982. They began restoration efforts on the lighthouse with help from community volunteers.

In 1986, the light from the metal tower was placed in the lighthouse and the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was once again helping mariners safely navigate the seas.

The lighthouse was the first permanent structure built on Five Mile Beach. A lighthouse keeper had to live in the area to maintain the building. There was nothing else in the area in 1874 so the lighthouse was built with a house around it to give the lighthouse keeper a place to live.

Since there was no railroad connection to the mainland until 1884, people had to travel by boat. The first lighthouse keeper, John Marche, went to the mainland for supplies and was caught in a storm on the journey back to the lighthouse. He drowned off the coast of the Hereford Inlet.

Freeling Hewitt, a lighthouse keeper who took the position later in 1874, had better luck than Marche, and served as the lighthouse keeper for 45 years.

The lighthouse as it stands today.

Scott Jett, North Wildwood City Historian says that “the lighthouse has been intimately connected with North Wildwood since the foundation of our municipality in 1885.”

Today, the lighthouse is used by the United States Coast Guard as an Aid to Navigation and is managed by volunteer residents of the community that make up the City of North Wildwood’s Historical Commission. The gorgeous gardens are maintained by the City of North Wildwood’s Building, Parks, and Grounds department.

Many engagements and weddings also take place at the lighthouse every year, drawing couples to its gorgeous gardens and location.

Moira Fanning and Neil Mac Thiarnáin got married at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse on June 4th.

“It was perfect. Everything was beautiful. The lighthouse was beautiful. The garden was gorgeous. Everything was perfect!,” Fanning said.

Moira is from Mayfair, Philadelphia and Neil is from Ardboe, County Tyrone, Ireland. Moira and Neil met at the Anglesea Pub where they were introduced to one another by the pub’s owner, Sean McMullan. Today, Moira and Neil perform at the Anglesea Pub every Friday night from 9-12.

They pass through Hereford Inlet Lighthouse gardens on their way to the beach and their kids, Lucy, Brian, and Frances, love it. Moira and Neil have always been fond of the lighthouse and now it is an important part of their story. They were overjoyed to have family, including Neil’s family from Ireland, gather at the lighthouse.

“Neil’s from Tyrone, Ireland and his whole family came over. It was so special to have them there and share that with them and show that to them. Them being from Ireland, they had never seen it [the lighthouse] before. And all of our photos with them and everything and having the kids see us get married there. It’s just really important. It’s so special to us,” Fanning said.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is important to so many people for many different reasons. People like Moira and Neil who tie the knot at the lighthouse have found it to be an incredibly special place. Others may visit its beautiful gardens and make memories with loved ones. The lighthouse also draws tourists and locals alike to its grounds and continues to serve as an important landmark in North Wildwood. –Do The Shore 

Murphy Signs Bill to Protect Abortion Rights In New Jersey

By Sabrina Walsh

Amid Roe v. Wade’s uncertain future in the U.S. Supreme Court, New Jersey has moved to protect the right to reproductive choice. 

While terminating a pregnancy is legal under state court rulings, it was never written into law in New Jersey, but the push to codify the right began after the nation’s highest court took up a Mississippi case last year aiming to ban abortions after 15 weeks.

During a signing ceremony Jan. 13 in Teaneck, Gov. Phil Murphy enacted two pieces of legislation that he said will not only “tangibly increase access to reproductive rights,” but also “ensure that New Jersey residents are now and will remain in control of their reproductive choices. Regardless of whether or not the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, New Jersey’s position of supporting the right to reproductive autonomy will remain clear and unchanged.”

NJ Among Handful Of States With Statutory Protections

“Women across the United States are being threatened as reproductive rights are in serious jeopardy,” said former Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle at the signing ceremony. “Twenty six states are prepared to restrict access to reproductive care. The future of choice remains uncertain nationwide.”

New Jersey is one of 15 states, along with the District of Columbia, with statutory protections for abortion.

In addition to abortion rights, the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act will codify the right to access contraception, the right to terminate a pregnancy and the right to carry a pregnancy to term.

Unlike the previous version of the bill introduced in 2020, the Reproductive Freedom Act, the legislation approved Jan. 10 by the Legislature would not require insurance providers to cover abortion. The Reproductive Freedom Act — which also would have covered care for undocumented women through the state Medicaid program — stalled in the Legislature and lost more support when Republicans flipped seven Democratic legislative seats last year.

However, the new law will permit the state Department of Banking and Insurance to study whether the cost of abortion is an impediment to uninsured and low-income women, a step toward requiring insurance companies to cover the procedure.

Guarantees A ‘Basic Freedom’

Murphy noted “we would not be here today” with the work of two departying state lawmakers from the 37th Legislative District—Recently retired state Sen. Loretta Weinberg  and  Vainieri Huttle.

Weinberg (D-37), the bill’s lead sponsor and longtime abortion rights advocate, said it was “critical” for New Jersey to enact laws that “clearly and unequivocally” protects a woman’s right to choose.

“Personally, this is a culmination of a very long journey,” said Weinberg. “The bill says ‘the legislature is committed to ensuring that their are no barriers to reproductive freedoms exist in the state. Individuals have the right to make their own decisions concerning reproduction, including the right to contraception, the right to terminate the pregnancy and the right to carry a pregnancy to term without government interference or fear of prosecution.’ In a few moments, that paragraph will be law in the state of New Jersey.”

 Women Will Have ‘More Control Over Their Lives’

Under the second bill signed Thursday, S-413/A-4698, private insurance companies and Medicaid would be required to expand contraceptive coverage from a 6-month supply to a 12-month supply.

Vainieri Huttle (D-37), who called up Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27) and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-33) at the ceremony, praised them for their work in the progressive caucus and recalled the fight of over 15 years over a woman’s right to healthcare.

“The need today for this bill signing is more urgent than ever,” said  Vainieri Huttle. “It will protect residents of our state in the impringments of their reproductive right regardless of what happens at the federal level.

“Ensuring coverage of these prescriptions for up to 12 months will allow more New Jerseyans to prepare ahead. Making it easier and more likely for women to access birth control is a crucial component of the family planning services our state is taking steps to protect,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.

GOP Rails Against Bill

Lawmakers passed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act four days earlier, the final day of voting in the lame duck session.

The state Senate voted 23 to 15 to pass the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, while the state Assembly passed the bill 46 to 22 with eight legislators abstaining.

Republicans in both chambers spoke out against the bill, some against abortion broadly and other questioning its swift passage through the Legislature.

Murphy: This Issue ‘Has Not Been Easy’

The signing was also met with opposition from New Jersey’s Catholic Bishops, which released a joint statement expressing “profound disappointment and deep concern.”

“We have failed as a society when a response to any pregnancy is fear rather than joy,” they said. “Sadly, too often this fear is born out of the mother’s uncertainty she will not be able to provide for herself and her child the resources necessary to live a flourishing life. We must do better.”

In his remarks, Murphy described himself a devout Catholic and said his own “journey and evolution of this issue has not been easy,” adding he has “trust for others, especially for those with limited means for whom restrictions on access to reproductive health care has the most devastating effect.”

The move comes about a month after New Jersey enacted new rules that prohibit medically unnecessary regulations on abortion, as well as opened up new avenues for care. –North Jersey News

North Jersey House Dems Vote to Codify Same Sex Marriage

Legislation is a response to Justice Thomas, GOP saying Obergefell was wrongly decided

By James Hickey

“Americans should have the right to marry the people they love without discrimination,” said Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. “While I thought this issue was settled, I am proud to work to make it a federal law that cannot be denied by individual states. It appears that certain people in this country want to remove many rights that all Americans have worked to gain.

Respect for Marriage Act

The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would codify the federal protections for same-sex couples that were put in place in 2015, when the Supreme Court ruling Obergefell v. Hodges established same-sex marriage as a right under the 14th Amendment. The new bill establishes that a federal law that declares a marriage is valid nationwide if it was valid in the state in which it occurred.  

Backers say the bill provides same-sex and interracial couples additional certainty that they will continue to receive equal treatment under federal law. In addition, it provides the U.S. Attorney General with the authority to pursue enforcement actions for violations of this provision and allows individuals harmed by a violation to pursue their own actions.     

Supreme Worries

“I will always oppose any attempt by those in Washington or around the country to roll back the clock and stand against full marriage equality for the LGBTQ community,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer. “Last month, the Supreme Court made a devastating and extreme decision to overturn a woman’s right to choose — in a horrific breach of personal privacy. Now, extremists are trying to attack marriage equality as well.”

The push to pass the legislation is tied to the Supreme Court’s ruling in overturning Roe V. Wade. In a concurring opinion, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the Supreme Court should examine previous rulings that legalized the right for married couples to buy contraception without government restriction (Griswold v. Connecticut), same-sex relationships (Lawrence v. Texas) and marriage equality (Obergefell v. Hodges).

“In Justice Thomas’s concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health, he gave a preview of the rights the extremist Supreme Court and Washington Republicans will attack next,” argued Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “This bill protects millions of American families from future discriminatory action by the Supreme Court. I am committed to making sure that LGBTQ+ Americans and those in interracial marriages will continue to have the right to marriage, no matter where they live.”

Response to Cruz Comments

The rollback of marriage rights includes support of such prominent conservatives lead by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). Cruz recently asserted in an interview for his podcast that Obergefell and Roe v. Wade had been wrongly decided and that both had “ignored two centuries of our nation’s history.” He would go on to say that the ruling recognizing same sex marriage was “clearly wrong.” 

“We are moving with urgency because the radical rightwing Supreme Court no longer recognizes a right to privacy and has signaled it respects no precedents in its quest to impose Republicans’ extremism on America,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell.  “They will not stop with Roe v. Wade and the right to choose.”

“Our bill guarantees under law that same sex and interracial couples have marriage equality protections and repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. These times demand vigilance and action on behalf of our neighbors. The Senate should quickly advance our bill to protect marriage equality now.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had not scheduled a vote on the bill yet, with a growing number of Republicans saying they will support the bill. –North Jersey News